 The soft sands, the ebb and flow of the tides, the tranquil waters- in Sri
Lanka there is everything that an ideal beach holiday has to offer. You can swim
in the calm waters, have a sea bath ,bask in the sun or even roll and slide on
the beach; you can watch the sun go down the horizon like a fireball immersing
in the vast ocean.
Visit These
Negombo
37km. north of Colombo and 6 km. from the International Airport, Negombo is an
ideal fishing town as well as a paradise for the seafood buffs. You can enjoy
watching the old world fishing crafts like the outrigger canoes and the
catamarans bringing a variety of marine fishes like seers, skipjacks, pomfrets
and amber-jacks. In the lagoon lobsters and prawns are caught and served as
fascinating delicacies in the restaurants.
Nilaveli
14 km. from Trincomalee, Nilaveli is a water sports hub. Fishing, angling, water
skiing, snorkelling- all are here for you. You can even have close encounters
with the leviathan in the sanctuary.
Mount Lavinia
Just 12 km. south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is the most popular beach because of
its close proximity to the capital. It is situated beside a wind swept headland
jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. The Governor''s House built in 1805
by Sir Thomas Maitland, now forms part of the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel. You
can not afford to miss this place out!
Beruwala
56 km. south of Colombo, Beruwela is the starting point of the 130 km.long
stretch of beach. In the past few years great strides have been made in the
field of resort development in this area. The bay around remains ideal for
bathing almost for the whole year.
Bentota
The Bentota Resort Complex is an ideal romantic beach holiday with a teeming
growth of hotels, shopping arcades and cafeterias. There is also an open air
theatre which shows folk and mask dancing. It is located 62 kms south of
Colombo.
Ambalangoda
Ambalangoda is famous for its devil dance. Also, the best wooden masks of Sri
Lanka are from this place. Its a half an hour drive from Bentota to Ambalangoda.
Hikkaduwa
It is the place where you can have a glimpse of the fascinating underwater world
and see the creatures that inhabit the unfathomable depths of the sea. The famed
coral gardens are located here. Just get hold of a glass bottomed boat or
goggles and flippers and plunge into the ocean! Hikkaduwa is 98 kms south of
Colombo.
Galle
116 km. south of Colombo, Galle is town of prime importance in the southern part
of the island. It has an an old-world charm pervading its air. Its natural
harbour was a famous fort in the days of yore. Today, the place holds fame for
its Dutch fort, lace making, ebony carving and gem polishing.
Weligama
27 km. from Galle, Wellingama is blessed with its picturesque bay, and an off
shore islet which provides fantastic stuff for the eyes of a visitor. Weligama
is also the home of the famous stilt fishermen.
East Coast
The east coast has a lot to offer to the tourist. The uneven coastline dotted
with many bays and sheltered coves. In some beaches one can walk even a mile
into the sea.
Trincomalee
With its fine natural harbour and excellent beaches, Trincomalee is the perfect
hang out for a beach buff. Its 257 kms away from Colombo.
Batticaloa
It is the famous 'singing' fish and picturesque lagoon that attracts tourists to
this serene beach, 314 kms from Colombo.
Kalkudah
32 km. from Batticaloa, Kalkudah is a popular tourist centre with the fine bay
Passekudah lying close by. The calm reef protected sea is an ideal place for
having a sea bath. There is also a popular hotel along with other amenities
required for serving the tourists.
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